"Taurus Ox’s bold menu is dedicated to modern Laotian cuisine, where fresh herbs and warming chilies play a starring role. Savor the spice in dishes like thom khem (a caramelized pork belly and tamari-cured egg cooked with warm spices) and khao poon (a red curry noodle soup with shredded chicken and quail eggs). The Lao smash burger — which gets its kick from jaew tomato and jaew mayo, pork belly, and pickled onions — is a legend around town and inspired the spinoff restaurant Ox Burger. Come early to grab a drink and chicken wings at happy hour (2-5 Tuesday-Saturday; all day Sunday). You can also sample classic cocktails with Laotian twists like the Ox Mule, a refreshing concoction of whisky with galangal soda and lime." - Alicia Erickson